Hammock variety in Fort Myers, Florida

Estero Bay Preserve State Park is a beautiful natural oasis located in Estero, Florida. This park offers visitors the chance to explore miles of rugged trails through diverse ecosystems, including coastal marshes, maritime hammocks, mesic flatwoods, scrub, and salt flats. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of native wildlife, from gopher tortoises and snakes to a multitude of bird species. The park is accessible from two land entrances: the Winkler Point entrance in Fort Myers and the Estero River Scrub entrance in Estero. The Winkler Point entrance features observation decks with excellent views of wading birds and waterfowl, while the Estero River Scrub entrance offers four separate trails for visitors to explore.

Estero Bay Preserve State Park is a natural oasis located in Fort Myers, Florida. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems of the park through numerous miles of rugged trails, where they can encounter a variety of native wildlife and vegetation. The park is accessible from two land locations, offering different opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. At the Winkler Point entrance, visitors can traverse trails along coastal marshes and maritime hammocks, providing excellent opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. The Estero River Scrub entrance features four separate trails that lead through mesic flatwoods, scrub, and salt flats, home to gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards, and various bird species.

Welcome to the Columbus G. McLeod Preserve, a serene 9-acre island sanctuary located on the Caloosahatchee River near Fort Myers Shores in Tice, Florida. Named in honor of Columbus G. McLeod, an Audubon warden dedicated to protecting bird rookeries in the early 1900s, this preserve offers a glimpse into Florida's rich natural heritage. Despite its island status, it was once connected to the mainland before becoming detached due to river dredging in the late 1800s. Visitors to the preserve can explore diverse plant communities, including tidal swamp, mesic hammock, and hydric hammock. The area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to a variety of bird species such as white ibis, little blue heron, and red-shouldered hawk. The surrounding waters of the Caloosahatchee River are frequented by West Indian manatees, American alligators, and common moorhens.